Pasadena-Created National Dog Haus Fast Food Chain Names Michael Montagano as New – and First – CEO – Pasadena Now

Dog Haus, the craft-casual sizzling canine idea that began in Pasadena 13 years in the past, is getting a CEO for the primary time.

Dog Haus has introduced that Michael Montagano, a meals business veteran who was CEO at Kitchen United, would be the firm’s new CEO beginning in September, based on a report by Restaurant News.

Montagano is a meals business veteran and former CEO of Kitchen United, additionally of Pasadena. He has been serving on Dog Haus’ Board of Directors for the previous three years and as a business companion since 2018. Founding companions and longtime mates Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener have been main the corporate since its inception in 2010.

As CEO, Montagano will report back to the three companions, who will proceed of their respective roles .

“We believe Dog Haus is positioned for exponential growth and, as such, we recognize the need to bolster our leadership team with a seasoned executive who can guide this brand, and our franchise partners, into the future – and Michael checks all the boxes,” Vener stated in a press release. “Michael’s expertise in growing franchises, expanding virtual brands and delivery, and implementing new technologies and marketing strategies is exactly what we need as we capitalize on our momentum in the marketplace.”

Montagano has labored in a wide range of strategic restaurant manufacturers all through his 20-year profession, from nationwide companions equivalent to Chipotle, Chick-Fil-A, WingStop, Cinnabon and Jersey Mike’s to hyper-growth manufacturers like Portillo’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Hawaiian Bros and the Halal Guys.

At Kitchen United, he led the chain because it grew to greater than 150 kitchens throughout the nation, powering each main suburban and concrete commerce areas. He stated he’s honored to hitch his mates at Dog Haus within the new position.

“My friendship with André began more than five years ago at a school function for our children and has continued to grow ever since,” Montagano remembers. “Over time, I developed an equally close and productive business relationship with all three partners.”

Prior to his time main varied food-tech and restaurant firms by progress, Montagano practiced M&A and company finance regulation for one of many nation’s largest regulation companies. He obtained his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and his Juris Doctorate from Indiana University’s McKinney School of Law.

Montagano grew up in a restaurant household, anchored by an Italian restaurant and a neighborhood grocery retailer and butchery based by his grandparents. He resides in Pasadena along with his spouse, Dr. Bethany Montagano, and son Joey.